The Konektadong Pinoy Act, officially known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, is stirring high hopes—and heated debate—in the effort to improve internet access across the Philippines.
After being certified as urgent in January 2025, the bill was unanimously approved by the Senate in February, and ratified by both houses on June 9, 2025. It has since been sent to the Office of the President, with President Marcos Jr. expected to act by late July.
What the Act Would Do
- Instead of needing a long legislative franchise, new data transmission providers would only be required to complete a simple registration.
- The Act removes the franchise requirement entirely for those providers, lowering barriers to entry.
- It forces infrastructure sharing, so companies can use built networks instead of building their own, reducing costs and speeding rollout.
- Operators—especially satellite and emerging technology firms—can use unused spectrum without reliance on large telecom firms.
- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) must issue a national Spectrum Management Policy Framework, and ensure cybersecurity and data protection standards.
Who Supports It—and Why
A coalition of 35 industry groups, including AI, fintech, data center, and digital inclusion advocates, has urged the President to sign the bill immediately. They argue it would:
- Lower internet costs and improve quality by creating competition
- Expand broadband access to rural communities, including the 19,000 barangays still without reliable service—nearly half of the country
- Support small and community providers who lack the resources to build full networks
- Empower consumers through better service and choice
What Critics Are Saying
Major telecom firms, through groups like PCTO and PAPTELCO, warn that the law lacks critical regulatory safeguards:
- It may weaken regulatory oversight by creating a two-tier system—incumbents still follow old rules, but new entrants face fewer checks.
- They claim provisions that exempt satellite firms from full coordination with DICT violate international telecom rules.
- Others—including digital policy think‑tank Stratbase—warn the bill could expose the country to foreign surveillance, digital manipulation, and threats to national sovereignty.
Critics also argue that certain legal powers granted in the bill—like directing private utility operations—may be constitutionally flawed.
Why This Matters
- If signed, the Act has the potential to dramatically lower barriers for new internet providers, especially in underserved parts of the country.
- Models suggest it could help bring faster, cheaper connection to remote schools, clinics, and homes—greatly improving access to digital services.
- It may be one of the most important reforms in the Marcos administration’s digital agenda.
What Happens Next
- The Office of the President may now sign the bill, allow it to lapse into law after 30 days, or veto it outright.
- If signed, the law would take effect roughly 15 days after publication, and DICT must issue implementing rules within 90 days.
- That rule‑making stage (“IRR”) will be crucial—how policies are written will determine whether the law truly delivers on its promise of open and secure connectivity.
The Konektadong Pinoy Act is poised to be a turning point for the Philippines’ internet landscape. If crafted carefully in implementation, it could break decades of limited competition and bring the web to previously disconnected communities.
But critics caution that without stronger safeguards, the roll-out could leave gaps in oversight and expose citizens to digital risk. As the Philippines awaits the President’s decision, many Filipino citizens and businesses hold their breath—watching to see if the bill becomes a testament of inclusion or a cause for more concern.